Ubisoft has been at the forefront of captivating storytelling and immersive gaming experiences. With the latest addition to the Assassin’s Creed saga, they’re rekindling the fires of nostalgia. Their upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, set against the backdrop of 9th-century Baghdad, is a masterstroke in tapping into the roots of the series, exuding an aura reminiscent of its predecessors.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage chronicles the journey of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character that fans of the series might recall from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Instead of merely being a downloadable content extension to Valhalla, Ubisoft recognized the depth and potential in Basim’s narrative, elevating it to a standalone title.
In what’s effectively a prequel to the previous entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the game delves into the life of a young Basim before his ascendancy in the Assassin Brotherhood, tracing his humble beginnings as a street thief to his relentless battles against the Templar Order.
Ubisoft’s dedication to invoking the classic essence of the Assassin’s Creed franchise becomes evident with its design choices. Unlike the sprawling open-world terrains characteristic of the more recent titles, Mirage offers a more concise, linear campaign, reminiscent of earlier franchise installments. Stealth, an element intrinsically linked with the franchise’s DNA, returns to the foray. Thus, iconic tools of the assassin trade, like the hidden blades, smoke bombs, and throwing knives, will be instrumental in one’s gameplay strategy.
However, while the game basks in its nostalgic glory, it doesn’t shy away from innovation. Enter Assassin Focus, a new combat system that serves as a dynamic addition that allows players to tactically target and vanquish multiple foes at the same time, reminiscent of the Wraith Chain skill in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War.
Nevertheless, Mirage’s launch trailer continues to underscore this homage to the series’ rich history. Apart from the contemporary soundtrack, the trailer exudes an old-world charm, reminiscent of trailers for the classic Assassin’s Creed titles. It’s this meticulous blend of the old and new that Ubisoft has so masterfully crafted, creating an atmosphere of familiar intrigue.
However, for all its anticipated brilliance, the game has had its fair share of criticisms, particularly concerning its visuals. Since arguably Origins and possibly a few entries before it, the series has stagnated in visual quality. While the lighting and texture work continue to impress, certain elements like animation and model quality haven’t improved much over the years, especially compared to contemporaries. It’s clear that Ubisoft Anvil, the long-running game engine used in every mainline Assassin’s Creed game, needs an overhaul.
Still, despite the evident signs of age, Mirage’s graphics still shine when Basim is in motion, seamlessly weaving through crowds of innocent bystanders as he makes his way to his next target.
Ultimately, the excitement for Mirage is clear. It ranks as one of the most pre-ordered games on the PlayStation Store, right alongside Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and EA Sports FC.
Set to be available on a myriad of platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, the world readies itself for another deep dive into the Animus on October 5.
